Streak lands bowling role in India

14 Feb, 2016 - 00:02 0 Views
Streak lands bowling role in India Heath Streak

The Sunday News

Mehluli Sibanda Senior Sports Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe national cricket team captain Heath Streak’s stature as a mentor continues to grow after he secured the role of bowling coach at the new Indian Premier League franchise Gujarat Lions. Streak has been appointed by the Rajkot-based Gujarat on a one-year contract. The former Zimbabwe international bowler currently fulfils the same role with the Bangladesh national cricket team. Gujarat serves as one of the replacements for Chennai Super Kings and the Rajasthan Royals who were both suspended for two seasons due to alleged illegal betting by their respective owners.

The 42-year-old Streak revealed that Bangladesh did not have any international action during the time of the IPL, hence his decision to apply for a No Objection Certificate to be involved with Gujarat. Streak said he was looking forward to a good season and hopefully a playoffs berth with Gujarat. At Gujarat Lions, Streak will work with head coach Brad Hodge and assistant Sitanshu Kotak at the franchise captained by Suresh Raina.

“I will be joining them sometime in March and we hope to attain playoffs in the IPL. From there anything is possible, we have a good squad,’’ he said.

Streak, who was a bowling consultant for New Zealand side Auckland Aces when they played in the Twenty20 Champions League in 2012, feels he has finally been rewarded by landing the top job with Gujarat after hard work in his coaching career that began in 2010.

“I have worked hard for five years as an international coach, what I have done with Tuskers and Auckland Aces has been a good experience,’’ he said.

Streak’s coaching career began in 2010 when he was appointed assistant to David Houghton as Matabeleland Tuskers coach. He was also during the same year given the role of national team bowling coach, a role he held until 2013 when ZC decided not to renew his contract.

In 2014, Streak was appointed Bangladesh bowling coach and has been credited with honing the skills of bowlers such as Mustafizur Rahman, Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain into promising stars at international level.

Share This:

Survey


We value your opinion! Take a moment to complete our survey

This will close in 20 seconds